William Bolcom, named '2007 Composer of the Year' by Musical America, has written in many genres. His Gospel Preludes, based on hymns, are amongst his most fascinating and compulsive works. Bold, brilliant, sometimes bizarre, but always hugely enjoyable, the Preludes vary widely, sometimes adorned by jazzy chords and rich swing, sometimes exuding tour-de-force brilliance or - when the music is quiet and reflective - possessed of a mesmeric reassurance. The GRAMMY Award winning Naxos recording of Bolcom's Songs of Innocence and Experience is available on 8.559216-18.
1 Gospel Preludes, Book 1: No. 1. What a Friend We Have in Jesus!
2 Gospel Preludes, Book 1: No. 2. La Cathedrale Engloutie (Rock of Ages)
3 Gospel Preludes, Book 1: No. 3. Just As I Am
4 Gospel Preludes, Book 2: No. 4. Jesus Loves Me
5 Gospel Preludes, Book 2: No. 5. Shall We Gather at the River (Fantasia)
6 Gospel Preludes, Book 2: No. 6. Amazing Grace
7 Gospel Preludes, Book 3: No. 7. Jesus Calls Us; O'er the Tumult
8 Gospel Preludes, Book 3: No. 8. Blessed Assurance
9 Gospel Preludes, Book 3: No. 9. Nearer, My God, to Thee
10 Gospel Preludes, Book 4: No. 10. Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child
11 Gospel Preludes, Book 4: No. 11. Sweet Hour of Prayer
12 Gospel Preludes, Book 4: No. 12. Free Fantasia on O Zion, Haste and How Firm a Foundation
William Bolcom, named '2007 Composer of the Year' by Musical America, has written in many genres. His Gospel Preludes, based on hymns, are amongst his most fascinating and compulsive works. Bold, brilliant, sometimes bizarre, but always hugely enjoyable, the Preludes vary widely, sometimes adorned by jazzy chords and rich swing, sometimes exuding tour-de-force brilliance or - when the music is quiet and reflective - possessed of a mesmeric reassurance. The GRAMMY Award winning Naxos recording of Bolcom's Songs of Innocence and Experience is available on 8.559216-18.
